How to share an Apple TV+ subscription with your family

Apple TV+ has turned out to be pretty good. Certainly, it’s a lot better than critics claimed. So, you may even want to share the shows with your family. And, thanks to Apple’s Family Sharing, this is not only possible, but easy.

You can all watch different shows at the same time, or you can just enjoy the lazy convenience of catching the latest episode of The Morning Show on whoever’s device is nearest. Let’s see how to share your Apple TV+ subscription with your family.

Share Apple TV+ from your iPhone or iPad

If you haven’t already set up Family Sharing, you’ll need to do that first.Photo: Apple

To enable sharing Apple TV+ on your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings app and tap on the big banner at the top (the one with your name on it). Then, tap Family Sharing. If you haven’t already set up Family Sharing, you’ll need to do so before you can share Apple TV+. Apple has a great guide available to walk you through it. Family Sharing lets you share app purchases, iCloud Storage, Screen Time, Apple Music and Apple Arcade, in addition to Apple TV+.

If you have an active Apple TV+ subscription, it will show up here.Photo: Cult of Mac

In the Family Sharing page, you’ll see a list of shareable services. Just tap TV Channels in that list. A new screen will open up, showing a list of your active channel subscriptions. If you have subscribed to Apple TV+, you will see it in this list. You can just check the box to share it.

To set up Family Sharing, you need to use a Mac or an iOS device. But even though the Apple TV hardware won’t let you set up Family Sharing, it will let you access shared subscriptions.

Share any TV subscription

And that’s it. Now, any family members can use your Apple TV+ subscription as if it were their own. They can download episodes, add shows to their watchlists, and so on. And don’t forget to enable sharing for any other channels you might be subscribed to as well. It’s all on the same screen — just toggle those switches.

Apple TV+ is already a bargain at $5 per month (or free with purchase of a qualifying Apple device). And with such easy sharing, it’s even better value. If Apple manages to turn out a stream of good and great shows, then it’s onto a winner.